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March 4, 2020: In other news

SkillsUSA Region 7 Rally & Career Showcase largest in N.C. history

 Over 1,250 high school students, advisors, and industry partners attended this year’s rally held on the Wilkes Community College campus, Monday, February 24, 2020. This year’s event was the largest in our history of hosting the regional rally,” says Hardin Kennedy, SkillsUSA advisor/event coordinator, with over 650 students competing in the skills contests.”

 There were 91 contests offered at the WCC competition. High schools from Alexander, Alleghany, Avery, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell,  Montgomery, Surry, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties, as well as the Home School Association of North Carolina and Christian schools participated in this event.

 SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps students excel in their respective trade areas. SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students to showcase the skills they received at their educational institution and see how their education compares to other schools in our state and nation. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.

 In addition to the competition, students also explored career opportunities with the Career Showcase segment of the event. This aspect is designed to increase student awareness of the programs offered at Wilkes Community College and to encourage students to take advantage of Career & College Promise high school course offerings that will lead to college certificates and degrees. This year WCC had 73 Career and College Promise students that competed.                        

 Students not involved in competitions were able to meet with WCC representatives and tour four areas of the college that focus on direct classroom-to-careers programs. They had the opportunity to ask questions and see demonstrations as they visited various areas on campus.

 Wilkes Community  College is proud to host the SkillsUSA Northwest Region Rally and Career Showcase each year and we appreciate the community support and the help we receive from WCC’s SkillsUSA club. The college would like to recognize and thank the following sponsors: WCC faculty and staff, Adams Old Castle - Williams Roberts, Appalachian Cabinets, Blevins Building Supply, Blue Ridge Tractor, McNeill Nissan, Flowers Auto Parts, HD Supply, High Country Paint, Home Builders Association of Wilkes and Yadkin, Impact Collision, John Deere with James River Equipment, Kris Dell Applied Software, L & A Emergency, Inc., Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, ARC 3 Welding Supply, Mike's Body Shop, Millers Creek

 Volunteer Fire Department, North Carolina Association of Electrical Contractors,  O'Reilly's Auto Parts, Pardue's Welding, Payne Power Equipment, Pine Hall Brick, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of NC, Inc., Snap-on Tools, Specialty Fabricators, Statesville Brick, The Welding Company, Triad Freightliner, Western Carolina Electric, Weyerhaeuser, Yadkin Well Company, Inc. Window World, Inc., sponsored the building construction luncheon and made a donation.

 Additional monetary donations were given by Carolina West Wireless, Duke Energy, Town of North Wilkesboro, Window World, Inc., Keith Elmore, Arnold & Becky Lakey, Joe Mashburn, Bobby & Susan Phillips, Kathie Rider, and Sylvia Robinson.

 For more information about the SkillsUSA program, contact Hardin Kennedy at 336-838-6219 or hckennedy819@wilkescc.edu. To learn about the college-to-career programs, contact WCC Student Services at 336-838-6135.

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Feb. 26, 2020: In other news

Wilkesboro Methodist Pancake Day is Friday, Feb. 28

 Wilkesboro Methodist Church will hold its 53rd Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Day on Friday, Feb. 28.

The even runs from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall.

Plates are $7 for adults and $3 for children under 6 years old. Plates include pancakes, sausage, bacon, hot syrup and a beverage. Carry outs are available.

The church is located at 309 West Main  Street in Wilkesboro.

For more information, call 336-818-0552.

A snow date for the event is set for Friday, March 6.

Miss North Carolina Pageant to Award Scholarship to WCC Foundation

       The North Carolina Educational Scholarship Foundation, Inc. has awarded Wilkes Community College Foundation a gift of $1,500. The gift is unrestricted and is made in recognition of Wilkes Community College’s work in providing degree and certificate education in a rapidly changing labor market. The award will be presented on Wednesday, March 4.

       The North Carolina Educational Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is the nonprofit corporation that funds scholarships to participants in the Miss North Carolina Pageant. Each year, the contestants in the Miss North Carolina Pageant are awarded over $150,000 in cash scholarships to further their education. Local contestants also receive scholarships at the preliminary pageant level. This year 40 young women from across the state will compete for the title of Miss North Carolina 2020 in Raleigh. The finals will be televised on June 20 from the Duke Energy Center. NCESF also awards scholarships outside the pageant to deserving institutions.

 Miss North Carolina 2019, Alexandra Badgett, will present the scholarship check to the Wilkes Community College Foundation. She is a 23-year-old resident of Denver, N.C., located in Lincoln County. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in Actuarial Mathematics and Finance. She was a top 15 finalist in the recent Miss America Pageant. She is now educationally debt-free because of her pageant scholarships and will enter graduate school at the conclusion of her reign with both Miss North Carolina and Miss America Pageant funding. She is an accomplished dancer and has traveled extensively across North Carolina this year promoting her program, N.I.N.E., No Is Not Enough, to educate young people about rape and sexual assault.

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Feb. 19, 2020: In other news

Public Health and Dental Fair set for Feb. 29

A Public Health and Dental Fair for Children and Adults will be hosted by the Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 29.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 1915  West Park Drive, North Wilkesboro.

There will be activities including games with prizes, face painting, door prizes, educational materials and train rides.

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Feb. 12, 2020: In other news

WCC to host SkillsUSA Northwest Region 7 Rally & Career Showcase

Wilkes Community College will host the high school SkillsUSA Northwest Region Rally & Career Showcase on Feb. 24. The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the Walker Center and the award ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m.

Established in 2005, the WCC chapter of SkillsUSA is the largest postsecondary SkillsUSA group in N.C. with over 350 students and over 200 in the secondary-level membership. WCC students regularly win medals at state and national competitions.

Region 7 encompasses the following counties, although other counties may elect to participate in WCC’s event: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Davie, Iredell, Lincoln, McDowell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin, as well as the Home School Association of North Carolina and Christian schools.

All SkillsUSA members and advisors and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students can participate in this annual educational and professional development activity. Many business and industry partners also attend to view the contests to see the talent level of potential future employees. Educational partners attend to compare the performance of other schools to their own and to talk with other educators about best practices.

The 2019 regional event included over 900 high school students, advisors and industry partners. Of those, 475 students competed in the skills contests. Last year over 75 business and industry representatives, elected officials from the local, regional and state levels attended the event.

“I invite all community, educational, and business leaders to this event. The high-quality skills demonstrated by each student is simply remarkable,” said Hardin Kennedy, WCC SkillsUSA advisor and organizer of this annual event. “Our students are champions of the nation and will rise to the occasion when provided the opportunity to showcase their skills. These students are our future leaders in business, industry, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and the skilled labor workforce.”

The public and media are welcome and encouraged to attend the event to witness the high school students demonstrate their advanced professional skills. For more information about the SkillsUSA program, contact Hardin Kennedy at 336-838-6219 or hckennedy819@wilkescc.edu.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations, and for further education. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel.

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Feb. 5, 2020: In other news

Upcoming seminars offered by WCC Small Business Center

The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center has a variety of seminars scheduled for February that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses. These seminars are offered at no charge to participants unless otherwise noted; however, attendees must pre-register to participate.  

 QuickBooks, the Online Version for the Small Business Owner: Part 2– February 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Webinar

Do you need to get your business up to date with the latest tools for keeping excellent financial records?  If so, QuickBooks Online may be your answer. Topics covered in the seminar are general entry, chart of accounts, bank feeds, sales tax, reports & queries, receiving customer payments and deposits, tracking inventory and payroll, and projects more.

 How to Start a Business – February 17, 2020, 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Wilkes County Public Library

Understand the basics of starting a business and go from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing, and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business.

 Proposal Writing 101 – February 19, 2020, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Webinar

You’ve found an RFP that your business is perfect for, now what? Learn to respond to opportunities by writing proposals that enhance your chances of winning a contract. Discover how to write a proposal that shows why your company is the best one for the job. This is the sixth in the Government Contracting Series.

 Become an Airbnb Entrepreneur – February 20, 2020, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Webinar

Do you have a home that could be earning you extra income on Airbnb? If you think the answer may be yes, join us to learn how to become a part of the fast-growing short-term rental market. Learn how to optimize your Airbnb rental to maximize your profit!

 Visit www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75570 to pre-register for seminars. To learn more about the Small Business Center and seminars, contact Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, SBC director, at 336-838-6166 or lsbrintle336@wilkescc.edu.

 The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 small business centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information.

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Jan. 29, 2020: In other news

BROC Board to meet

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC) will hold its BROC Full Board Meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the BROC Alleghany  Office in Sparta, NC

Please call Wilkes Office at 667-7l74, Ashe Office at 384-4543 or Alleghany Office at 372-7284 for additional information.

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Jan. 22, 2020: In other news

Arbor Music to be held Thursday, Jan. 23

Arbor Music will be held at Arbor Grove United Methodist Church on Arbor Grove Church Road in Purlear on Thursday, Jan. 23. Food serving begins at 5 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m.

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Jan. 15, 2020: In other news

Schools hold Poetry Out Loud competition

Wilkes County Schools held the Poetry Out Loud district competition on Monday, January 6 at the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts.  Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry.   This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Dr. Donna Cotton, Chief Academic Officer for Wilkes County Schools welcomed students and guests to the event.  Judges were Nicole de Bruijn from the Wilkes County Library, and Annie Woodford from Wilkes Community College.  Accuracy judge was Angie Lamb, Advanced Programs Coordinator for Wilkes County Schools. Prompter was Robin Roten, Instructional Specialist for Wilkes County Schools.  Score tabulators were Kim Bell and Kim Call, Instructional Specialists for Wilkes County Schools.  Twelve students were in attendance for the competition.  Each student was asked to recite one poem during round one, and a second poem during round two.   One poem had to be less than 25 lines and the other had to be prior to the 20th Century.    

All students that participated had a great performance and really captivated the audience! Runner-up was Chloe Sheets from West Wilkes High School, and winner was Skyler Teague from West Wilkes High School.  Skyler will advance to participate in the state Poetry Out Loud competition February 22.

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Jan. 8, 2020: In other news

BROC to hold Public Hearing

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC) will hold a Public Hearing on the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for program year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The hearing will take place prior to the BROC Executive Committee Meeting on Thursday,  January 9, 2020, at 5:30 pm at the BROC Wilkes Office, North Wilkesboro, N C. The BROC Executive Committee Meeting will began

at 6:00 pm. The proposal will be available to the Public for review.

Please call Wilkes Office at 667-7l74, Ashe Office at 384-4543 or Alleghany Office at 372-7284 for additional information.

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Jan. 1, 2020: In other news

Cali Johnson and Larry Skipper help ring in the New Year

On a busy New Year’s Eve Tuesday full of music, the folks at Talia Espresso kicked it off at lunchtime with Cali Johnson and Larry Skipper performing to the noon crowd. Cali has played at many local venues including ChickenFest and Carolina in the Fall. Skipper, is a music teacher and director of the 12-Note Music Program for youth music in several Wilkes County schools. Talia Espresso has become a popular gathering place as a music venue, with the Sounds and Grounds program, the band Horseplay and others.

Record photo by Ken Welborn

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Dec. 25, 2019: In other news

BROC to hold Public Hearing

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC) will hold a public hearing on the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for the initial stage of the planning process for program year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

A hearing will take place on December 30, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at the BROC Ashe Office, Warrensville Community Center, Warrensville, N.C.,

And a hearing will take place on December 30, 2019 at 1:00pm at the BROC Alleghany Office, Hwy. 21 N.,  Suite A, Sparta , NC.,

And a hearing will take place on December 30, 2019 at 2:00pm at the BROC Wilkes Office, 710 Veterans Drive, North Wilkesboro, NC.

Please call the Wilkes Office at 667-7l74, Ashe Office at 384-4543 or Alleghany Office at 372-7284 for additional information.

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Dec. 18, 2019: In other news

Adrienne Louise Necessary Scholarship

 recipients named

Melissa Pennell, a first-year nursing student who graduated from West Wilkes High School and Kimberly Kovach, a first-year nursing student who graduated from Wilkes Central High School have been named recipients of the 2019-2020 Adrienne Necessary Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to students who are residents of Wilkes County, enrolled full-time, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and plan to enter a nursing career. “I am very grateful for this scholarship. It has helped to relieve the financial stress as I work toward my goal of becoming a nurse,” stated scholarship recipient Melissa Pennell.

“The labor market in healthcare occupations continues to expand as our aging population increases.  The baby boomers are retiring out of the jobs, which is creating a demand to refill them. They are also needing more healthcare themselves, which further drives up the demand for healthcare services. This provides an ideal opportunity for our students looking for jobs in the healthcare industry. The Adrienne Necessary Scholarship provides critical financial support for deserving nursing students,” says Dr. Jeff Cox, president of Wilkes Community College. “We count on the generous support from individuals and groups like the Cook Foundation to make it possible for many of our students to realize their dreams of a college education and to achieve their career aspirations.”

The Adrienne Necessary Scholarship was established at WCC in 2008 by the J.F. Cook Foundation to honor Adrienne Necessary, who was a long-term employee at Cook’s, Inc. Adrienne Necessary graduated from WCC in 2001 with a degree in nursing and was later employed by Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Her family and friends remember Adrienne as a bright young woman who always wore a smile and brought joy to others.  

The Cook family knew Adrienne for many years, and it was their privilege to love and know her. Adrienne Necessary was a very loving and caring young woman, so it was not surprising that she chose a career that calls for those qualities. She was an outstanding person, full of the qualities that make a wonderful nurse. The establishment of the nursing scholarship at Wilkes Community College in her name was their way of honoring her and giving back to the community.  

“It takes a special person to enter the nursing profession. Nurses work long hours and go above and beyond the call of duty. They are unique individuals that pass through their patients’ lives for a moment but leave a lasting impact. I feel that the impact of the scholarship has come full circle as our family has received treatment in the past at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Medical Center by former scholarship recipients. It is very gratifying to know that recipients are

giving back to the community. We are pleased to offer this scholarship in honor of Adrienne Louise Necessary,” stated Mark Cook, member of the J.F. Cook Foundation.

 For more information on scholarships, call Stacee Whitley at 336-838-6158.

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Dec. 11, 2019: In other news

BROC to file for grant

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc., a Community Action Agency and partner agency of United Way of Wilkes County intends to apply for the FY 2020-2021 Community Services Block Grant to address the needs of low-income individuals and families including the homeless, migrants and the elderly. The grant will help the agency to provide support and activities addressing employment, educations, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health. The grant will also help to increase client self-sufficiency, improve living conditions, and have pride in their communities with strong family and support system. For more information, please call 336-384-4543 for Stacey Howell, CSBG Program Assistant or 336-667-7174 for Dare Stromer, Executive Director.

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Dec. 4, 2019: In other news

Eight candidates file on opening day

The filing period for the 2020 elections opened on Monday and eight candidates have filed to run.

For Wilkes Register of Deeds, incumbent Republican Misty Smithy and Republican Brian Minton have filed.

For Wilkes County Commissioner, incumbent Eddie Settle filed, along with fellow Republicans Bill Sexton, Ralph Broyhill and Casey Joe Johnson have filed.

For District Court Judge, Republican Matthew Leach has filed.

Republican Jeffrey Elmore for filed for reelection to the 94th N.C. House and Sarah Stevens has filed for the 90th House .

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Nov. 27, 2019: In other news

Pawsibilites Thrift Store by Humane Society of Wilkes Is having a Special Black Friday Sale and open house.

The event will be held Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

There are tons of new items for your pets and you and discounts throughout the store.

Pawsibilites Thrift Store is located at 1207 Central Street, Crossroads Plaza behind Cagneys and Valvoline. All proceeds go to the Humane Society.  

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Nov. 13, 2019: In other news

Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss returning to MerleFest

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has announced the initial lineup for MerleFest 2020, which will be held April 23-26. 

This year’s lineup, announced on Tuesday, includes Willie Nelson & Family, Alison Krauss, The Jerry Douglas Band, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, The Waybacks, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan and the Free Mexican Airforce, Tommy Emmanuel, Shinyribs, Charley Crockett, Darrell Scott, The Steel Wheels, Robbie Fulks, Amythyst Kiah, Cordovas, Alison Brown, Andy May, “B” Townes, Banknotes, Bill & The Belles, Bryan Sutton, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Chatham Rabbits, Che Apalache, The Cleverlys, Creole Stomp with Dennis Stroughmatt, David Holt, Fireside Collective, Flattop, Happy Traum, Hogslop String Band, InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Irish Mythen, Iron Horse Bluegrass, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jody Carroll, Joe Smothers, Ken Crouse, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Los Texmaniacs, Mark Bumgarner, Mary Flower, Mitch Greenhill, Pete & Joan Wernick, Piedmont Bluz, Presley Barker, Rev. Robert Jones, Roy Book Binder, Sierra Ferrell, String Madness, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, The Moore Brothers, The Williams Brothers, and Wyld Fern. 

Tickets went on sale, Tuesday, Nov. 12, and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. 

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Nov. 6, 2019: In other news

News from the NC House of Representatives 94th District

By Representative Jeffrey Elmore

 After passing more “mini budget” bills” last week, the legislators adjourned on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, and will reconvene Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at noon.

Bills Pending the Governor’s Signature

SB 61, Community Colleges Budget/2019-2021 Biennium -will enact a budget with adjustments consistent with House Bill 966 for the North Carolina Community College System.

SB 354. Strengthening Educators Pay Act – the bill for educator pay raises if HB 966 becomes law, Teachers: 4.4 percent over the biennium; Non instructional support staff; 4 percent over the biennium, plus a 0.5 percent bonus; UNC System employees; 4 percent over the biennium; Community college employees; 4 percent over the biennium.

SB 522, Low-Performing Schools/Advance Teaching Roles - 1) Changes the selection process for schools in the Innovative School District (ISD). 1) Makes additional changes to the ISD statutes. 2) Requires additional reporting by local boards of education to county commissioners on the academic performance of certain schools.. 3) Eliminates the cap on local boards of education that can participate in the Advanced Teaching Roles Pilot Program and exempt participating schools from class size requirements.

SB 683, Combat Absentee Ballot Fraud - 1) Enhances the penalties for certain violations of the law regarding absentee ballots, and create new crimes for selling completed request forms or voted ballots or receiving payment based on a number of returned requests. 2) Requires that a request for mail-in absentee ballots be completed entirely by the requestor, contain photo identification of the voter or an affidavit for lack thereof, and be returned to the county board of elections by the requestor. 3) Restores the last Saturday of early voting. 4) Provides for pre-paid postage for the return of mail-in absentee ballots for elections held in 2020.

HB 231, UNC and Community College Pay/Retiree Bonus - appropriates funds to provide legislatively mandated salary increases to employees of the University of North Carolina system and the North Carolina Community College system and to provide two one-time cost-of-living supplements for retirees of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, and the Legislative Retirement System.

HB 377, Teacher Step Act - would provide teachers, instructional support personnel, and assistant principals with salary increases based on years of experience, authorize salary supplements for highly qualified North Carolina teaching graduates, and, consistent with House Bill 966 of the 2019 Regular Session, appropriates funds to provide legislatively mandated salary increases to principals.

If I can be of assistance at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jeffrey.Elmore@ncleg.net or by phone at (919) 733-5935 or by mail, 306A3, Legislative Office Building, Raleigh,  N.C.  27603.